Garden State Times

Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s legislation aimed at protecting vulnerable senior citizens and people with disabilities from theft scams has made significant progress. The bill, known as S-1649, passed the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, marking a crucial step towards safeguarding these populations from financial exploitation.

"Seniors have always been prime targets for criminals who prey on their trusting nature and easy demeanor," emphasized O’Scanlon (R-13), highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic to malicious actors. He further pointed out the detrimental impact of technological advancements, stating, “As technology has developed, it has become easier to find victims and raid their life savings. This can be devastating for people living on fixed incomes.”

Acknowledging the underreporting of such crimes due to victims' feelings of embarrassment or lack of awareness, O’Scanlon emphasized the necessity of legislative action. He expressed, “These crimes are becoming more common, and they often go unreported because the victims feel embarrassed or don’t know where to turn.” O’Scanlon also underscored the dual purpose of the bill, stating, “Not only will this bill make it easier for the courts to punish the criminals, it will also shine a light on the growing problem and may discourage scammers from exploiting vulnerable residents.”

The proposed legislation would classify the fiscal victimization of seniors and individuals with disabilities as a criminal offense. Per the bill, individuals engaging in theft or conspiring to commit theft against these vulnerable groups would be liable for prosecution. Additionally, the crime of fiscal victimization would serve as an additional charge for suspects implicated in the theft of money or valuables.

The advancement of O’Scanlon’s bill signifies a crucial step towards fortifying legal protections for seniors and individuals with disabilities, aiming to deter scammers and enhance the accountability of perpetrators preying on vulnerable populations.